Michigan Voice: Data & Targeting Manager

Michigan Voice, a coalition of organizations working toward permanent change in social, racial and economic justice by increasing civic engagement and voter participation across the state, especially focused in underrepresented communities; making sure that every Michigander’s voice is heard and the state reflects the progressive values of its citizens. The Michigan Voice table is one of 22 states in the State Voices national network: http://www.statevoices.org

State Voices is a national network – built from the states up – that helps grassroots organizations win shared policy and civic engagement victories and build long-term power. We currently support the work of 501(c)(3) organizations or “state tables” in twenty-two states that connect hundreds of state, local and national affiliate organizations. State Voices has provided our affiliates with a variety of resources and tools to create support and enhance the impact of 501 (c)(3) civic engagement organizations across the country.

Job Description

Michigan Voice seeks a data practitioner with a passion for politics and social justice to join our team. We are looking for someone with a rare skill set: expertise using a number of tools, VAN, Catalist data, and census related databases, as well as the ability to translate the purpose and value of these tools (electorally, legislatively and organizationally) to a wide range of audiences and partner groups. The primary role of this person is to 1) support partner groups to integrate the tools and the data they produce into their organization’s advocacy and organizing work, 2) support Michigan Voice and State Voices staff and partners to use data to better inform our collective strategic thinking and program planning.

Job Function

Advise partner organizations on the use of voter contact tools and assist them in integrating appropriate voter contact and data tools into their engagement programs.

Administer voter file system for State Voices, Michigan Voices, and c3 table partner organizations and their consultants. This includes managing user and security settings; providing technical assistance and training; and monitoring use of the system to ensure compliance with state and national policies.

Train partners and table staff on: VAN and other tools, targeting techniques (including the use of statistical models), and best practices for using data effectively.

Prepare program analysis and make strategic recommendations to inform tables’ program plans as well as individual partner plans.

Work with partner organizations to establish and maintain best practices and standards for data collection, data acquisition, and preservation.

Produce reports and other materials needed to track, support, and coordinate table and partner work.

Identify and champion opportunities to conduct tests and experiments; assist table staff and partners in facilitating and executing experiments and testing.

Make recommendations and provide strategic guidance on ways to make partner programs more efficient and effective.

Work with other Michigan Voice, State Voices, VVN staff, and partner organizations to ensure voter contact programs are maximizing shared voter file, targeting, and other data resources.

Function as part of a national data team to build and maintain the shared state and national data infrastructure necessary to support partner program work.

Participate in national working groups with other data managers to develop nation-wide standards and best practices.

Other responsibilities as assigned.

Key Qualifications

A strong commitment to progressive civic engagement and an understanding of the 501c3 civic engagement field.

Understanding of Michigan landscape (especially the role of non-profit, nonpartisan c3 organizations in the greater ecosystem) is helpful, though strong candidates from other states are encouraged to apply.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills specifically including the ability to translate instructions into easy to follow language for partners, communicating technical subjects to less technical audiences.

Ability to produce consumer friendly reports and visual depictions of the data. Experience and comfort leading, conducting and facilitating trainings.

Solid understanding and experience with the Voter Activation Network voter file platform and Catalist data. Experience with other constituent management tools or online organizing tools is a plus.

Candidates should have an understanding of common direct voter contact programs and experience in the use of data and analytics to drive effective decision-making.

Diplomatic, professional approach to problem solving while working independently or on a team.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently and prioritize work effectively. Must be a self-starter; a team player and flexible.
Spanish language skills a plus.

Location

This person will join a dedicated, small team of Michigan Voice staff working out of our office in Lansing, MI. Some in-state travel is required.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Full benefits. To apply, please email a copy of your resume, cover letter, and three references to jobs@statevoices.org.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at State Voices, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

About Progress Michigan

Progress Michigan is a first-of-its-kind organization. Our mission is to provide a strong credible voice that holds public officials and government accountable, assists in the promotion of progressive ideas and uses state-of-the-art web based new media to creatively build grassroots support for progressive ideas.